As part of the government initiative to promote projects of public interest and to accelerate the completion of major structuring public projects, the Tunisian State has entrusted the General Authority for Public-Private Partnership (IGPPP) with the mission of steering, structuring and supporting the development of the Ben Ghayadha project in Mahdia.

This strategic project represents one of the most significant opportunities for urban, tourism, and territorial transformation in the Mediterranean. Located on the Tunisian coast, the site covers approximately 142 hectares of coastal and lagoon land, entirely owned by the Tunisian state, thus providing a secure, controlled land framework conducive to the implementation of integrated, sustainable, and large-scale development.

The project will be developed within the framework of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), guaranteeing clear and structured governance. This approach is part of a development strategy led by the Tunisian authorities, aimed at identifying strategic partners capable of providing expertise, financing, and know-how in the development of integrated destinations.

The project is also overseen by a dedicated Steering Committee. This committee brings together the main public stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring coordination and strategic monitoring of its progress. It includes, in particular, regional and territorial authorities, the Sebkha Ben Ghayadha Development and Studies Company, as well as the Ministry of Equipment and Housing and the various public stakeholders involved in the project's governance.

The development concept envisions the creation of a new waterfront district structured around the lagoon, built around complementary and integrated components, including:

• high-end residential units;
• an international hotel and tourist offering;
• commercial, cultural and leisure spaces;
• modern public facilities and urban infrastructure;
• as well as a strong landscape, ecological and environmental enhancement of the coastline and lagoon.

The project's development is based on a value creation strategy, allowing for a gradual increase in investments, better absorption of market demand, and optimization of economic and territorial impacts at each stage of implementation.

Through this initiative, Tunisia reaffirms its ambition to strengthen the economic and touristic attractiveness of the Mahdia region, while promoting an innovative model for the development of public domain based on the principles of sustainability, good governance, economic performance and structuring partnership with the private sector.

The Ben Ghayadha project fully illustrates the role of public-private partnership (PPP) as a strategic lever for territorial development, job creation, boosting investment and sustainably strengthening infrastructure for the benefit of citizens and future generations.

In its current phase, the project is entering a key stage aimed at identifying a strategic partner, paving the way for the emergence of a new benchmark Mediterranean destination, driven by an ambitious vision, a robust institutional structure and a strong commitment from the Tunisian public authorities.

In this context, the IGPPP is present at the workshops dedicated to the Ben Ghayadha Mahdia project, organised on the occasion of the International Building and Construction Exhibition “Carthage 2026”, held at the Kram Exhibition Centre, within the Mahdia Governorate pavilion.

These workshops provided an opportunity to present the main strategic directions and investment opportunities related to the Ben Ghayadha mega-development project, as well as the institutional and financial mechanisms envisaged for its implementation. The project is part of a technical assistance program designed to support the Tunisian government in selecting an international strategic partner capable of contributing to the development and promotion of this future integrated Mediterranean destination.